I own a pair a Paradigm Studio 80v2's. I believe the sensitivity rating is 92db. Currently my amp is a 175 watt Anthem solid state. I'd really like to switch to tubes but I like good authoritative bass and am wondering how well a 25watt tube amp could handle it. I have a stereo only rig and use it for audio/video.

I basically agree with Lon. You should be fine. The only caveat is how large your listening space is, and how loud you like it. Also, will you be using a preamp? In a real large room, you may find yourself missing some of the headroom a your present amp can provide. Just something to consider. Might be a good enough reason to give a call to Steve with some additional info who will give you and expert, and unbiased opinion.

A call to Steve is certainly a good idea! I looked at photos of your speaker model. Very attractive! I bet a Torii will make them indeed happy but a call to Steve would be the best way to address your questions.

Thank guys for your fast response. I do use a passive preamp, Counterpoint Solid 8 and my listening room is not large at all. About 11' by 13'. I listen w/ the speakers on the long wall. Hoping for more warmth than i currently get w/ out being too soft. My system errs on the side of brightness tho it's no too glaring.

Greg, I honestly think the Mk III will be right along the highway you're looking to be traveling. With its treble cut circuit, you'll be able to tame any brightness that threatens to become too much, as well as eventually tube roll to get the sort of presentation you want, or different ones. With your room size you'll have plenty of power.

Thanks Lon, I bet you're right. Along a different line... are you familiar w/ the MODEL CSP2+ pre-amp. I was just looking at it and wonder if i'd accomplish a lot of my goal by using that and just keep my current amp. Would save some $ too.

Greg, I have a CSP2+ preamp in use right now, been here about six or seven weeks, and I've had a CSP2 preamp (its predecessor) for over five years I believe. A wonderful preamp, I thoroughly enjoy mine.

You would certainly enjoy an improvement in sound along the lines you're looking for. But in my estimation the change in amp will bring you further improvement, move you right on down the line. The Mk III doesn't need a preamp, it has two inputs and gain adjustment. (The CSP2+ would sound wonderful used with the Mk III as well, but it's not necessary for the Torii to be dazzling.). In my experience a tubed preamp controlling a solid state amp can bring wonderful sound. But I've always preferred a tubed amp.

You make a good point about not needing a pre amp w/ the Torii. I wish it had a few more inputs, tho future plans for an Oppo Universal player would make that a non issue. Thanks again for your expertise.

Hey Greg, I'm running an oppo 95 through the torii III for sacd, cd, video and wifi/pandora purposes and it sounds delicious. Watching movies with the ERR speakers is amazing. I have to say that my fm tube tuner directly to the torii has more warmth but the oppo has more options. waiting on the csp2+ which I believe will even the playing field.

Well my decision on whether to get the csp2 or Torii was made. Fellow forum member Mohicanrx7 was selling a like new csp2 in the classified's here, and at $550 shipped I can dip my toes into the world of tubes w/ out breaking the bank. I got it from Fedex yesterday and was able to listen to it a bit last night, albeit with the kids in the house. I didn't notice the "bloom" I was sort of expecting but Gary said it only has about 500hrs on it. Maybe it needs more break in time? Don't get me wrong tho, it sounds nice, if a bit reserved compared to my Counterpoint Solid 8. It has the factory tubes and I'll likely hold off on getting different tubes for a bit. Need to give my ears time to get used to the new sound.Any comments are welcome and as I spend more time with it I'll share my thoughts.

To be honest, a lot of "bloom" isn't really a good thing as it's inaccurate and obscuring, but Decware products don't suffer that problem. I find "bloom" more in amps than preamps, but there will likely be that sound coming in as the amp breaks in more (especially if it has been unused for a spell). The stock tubes are very decent, and it's a good idea to use them for a while and get the sound down pat and then if you wish start rolling tubes, there are lots of good suggestions here in the forums.

So after ordering a Rachael, then canceling that and instead ordering the Torii MK lll with Jupiter caps, I now see my amp is in the "Testing QC" stage. Anyone care to hazard a guess as to which day I'll need to take off from work to be home when my amp arrives? Mpls is about 300 some miles from Peoria as the crow flies. Can't believe the wait is almost over....

By the way, I'm looking forward to posting my impressions on the ability of this amp to power my Paradigms. I have no worries that it won't be up to the task.